Frontera Grill
5-Course Regional Mexican Revelry Tasting Event
This River North Mexican eatery, which opened in 1987, has become a genuine American institution. Ranked in 1994 by the International Herald Tribune as the world’s third-best casual dining restaurant and awarded the James Beard “Outstanding Restaurant” award in 2007, this Bib Gourmand-winning establishment has maintained its standards, being named to such 2024 lists as Eater’s “38 Essential Chicago Restaurants” and Infatuation’s “Best in River North.” Frontera Grill came into being when famed travel writer Rick Bayless and his wife returned from Mexico and decided that they wanted to create a restaurant in Chicago that was truly authentic. Now, Chef Kevin Contreras is honoring that mission with dishes like Oaxacan carne asada, poc chuc, a Yucatan pork collar preparation, crispy duck carnitas, and enchiladas al guajillo, with braised local greens and lion’s mane mushrooms. “There’s nothing even remotely similar to Frontera Grill…anywhere else in America,” says the New York Times, while Chicago Magazine calls Frontera “hallowed ground for Mexican cuisine.” What more can we say? It’s a must - especially as we'll be taking over their luxurious Bar Sótano space!
About the Host:
Kevin Contreras
Private Events Chef
Born in Guerrero, Mexico, Chef Kevin Contreras has been working under decorated Chef Rick Bayless for over a decade. After starting his journey in the prep kitchen of Frontera Grill, he helped open Bar Sótano and soon led the kitchen at Michelin-Starred Topolobampo.
The Lineup
Course #1 will be served family-style. Courses #2-5 will be individually plated. For this event’s dietary restriction accommodation policy, see the Event FAQs below.
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Frontera Sampler
pacific albacore ceviche | guacamole | three-chile salsa | roasted tomatillo salsa
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Street Corn Esquites
homemade crema, añejo cheese, smoky guajillo & chipotle chile powder
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Pipian Verde
slow-roasted salmon, tomatillo, pepita, epazote, serrano, smoked leek, chicharrón
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Mole Negro
beef tenderloin, camote, garlic mojo, black maitake
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Chocolate & Cherry
flourless chocolate cake, ganache, cocoa nib ice cream, salted chocolate caramel, candied tart cherry, toasted pecan
Frontera Grill
443 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60654
Event FAQs
- Do I have to bring printed tickets to the event?
- No tickets are needed.
- What does the ticket price cover?
- The ticket price covers the full cost of the meal.
- What dietary restrictions/food allergies can be accommodated at this event?
- At this event the chef will provide substitutions for critical food allergies/dietary restrictions but will not make menu adjustments based on food preferences (e.g distaste for specific ingredients/flavor profiles). If you have restrictions/allergies, please make sure to Update Your Dietary Restrictions within your Account Info before or after you purchase tickets, or email us at [email protected] after you purchase tickets to let us know.
- Do guests need to be of a certain age to attend this event?
- Yes. All attendees must be 21+ to gain entry.
- Does this restaurant allow BYOB?
- No. This restaurant is a non-BYO establishment. Outside alcohol will not be permitted at this event.
- What is the event ticket cancellation/refund policy?
- Restaurants purchase the food for our events 14 days before the event date, at which point we are on the hook for the cost of your ticket. As such, we are not able to offer refunds (or credits towards future events) for any cancellation requests submitted within 14 days of the event date. We will, however, issue full refunds for all cancellation requests submitted at least 14 days before the event date. All cancellation requests must be submitted via email to [email protected].
- What must I bring to the event?
- Please make sure to bring a government-issued photo ID.
- Can I bring guests/non-members to this event?
- Yep! For this event, guest tickets are $90 + tax & tip, and you can bring up to 3 guests. Please note, guests are not allowed to attend unaccompanied by a member.
